RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
February 14, 2003
AGREEMENT TO KEEP YOUNG DRIVERS SAFE
More than two thirds of the UK’s next generation of drivers expect to do a deal with their parents so that they can use the family car, according to a survey by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
But worried moms and dads who say “yes” will know that their children are in the age group most likely to be involved in a crash.
Now, RoSPA has produced a draft agreement that families can use to help them ensure that teenage drivers stay safe and their car does not come to harm.
The Society’s Safer Driving Agreement for Parents and Young Drivers is now available on the internet and tackles issues such as drink, drugs, using mobile phones and limiting the number of passengers.
The son or daughter agrees to certain conditions such as no alcohol when driving in return for using the family car. But parents also agree to stick to similar rules when they are behind the wheel themselves.
RoSPA has drawn up the document with the backing of the Department for Transport because novice drivers make up the group most at risk on our roads.
More than 3,000 drivers under 25 are killed or seriously injured each year. One in five drivers crash within their first year of driving. An 18-year-old driver is more than three times as likely to be involved in a crash as a 48-year-old driver.
Young drivers are more likely to be involved in: high-speed crashes, single vehicle crashes involving losing control, crashes in the dark and crashes when overtaking and negotiating bends.
RoSPA canvassed the view of more than 1,400 teenagers on pre-driver education schemes to find out what they felt the agreement should cover. It forms part of the leaflet Safer Driving – Parents and Young Drivers, which is being distributed through road safety officers and road safety organisations. It can be found on RoSPA’s website. More information about young driver safety can be found in the road safety section of the RoSPA website. The document is also available in printed form.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “As well as the agreement, our leaflet gives advice on the main dangers facing young drivers. It encourages parents travelling with their children to let them drive to increase their experience, but it warns them not to be back seat drivers.”
